4 speed Top Loader

67fordkc · Post by **67fordkc** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 6:13 pm

Hello,
I have a 67 F-100 with a 352 and granny 4-speed. I want to change the transmission to something more driveable, such as a 4 speed top loader. Has any one accomplished this? Any suggestions would be appreciated

Post by **FORDification** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:20 pm

The truck bellhousing is 7/16" deeper than the car bellhousing. This means any FE car manual tranny (Toploader included) will have a problem with it's input nose engaging into the pilot shaft. I have heard of a way around this though. Instead of using an FE tranny, use the small block trannies (Toploader included). They all have a longer input nose and it engages perfectly.

Actually, I think the small block Toploader would be a better match for a truck because it's a wide ratio with a lower 1st compared to the big block Toploader. Plus, the truck bellhousing takes the bigger 11 1/2" clutch compared to the 11" car bell.

(Close ratio) - 2.32 1.69 1.29 1.00
(Wide ratio) - 2.78 1.93 1.35 1.00

Bellhousings that will be used with a Toploader must measure 6 1/4" deep. If it measures 6 3/4" deep it is a truck bellhousing and should not be used.

flyboy2610 · Post by **flyboy2610** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:20 pm

The phrase top loader refers to how the shift lever connects to the tranny. If the lever goes into the tranny from the top, it is a top loader. When you say granny geared four speed, I'm guessing you have either a T-18 or an NP-235. Both of those trannies are top loaders.

68F250 · Post by **68F250** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:29 pm

I've heard differently. Toploader means how the gears are loaded into the case, from the top.

Yes, use a smallblock toploader which has a longer snout and that will compensate for the deeper truck bellhousing.

67fordkc · Post by **67fordkc** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:29 pm

I've heard differently. Toploader means how the gears are loaded into the case, from the top.

According to the research I have read, you are correct about the top loader. The one I want to use is for a small block. Are bell housings ready available to mate this transmission to my 352? I appreciate your help in this.

68F250 · Post by **68F250** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:57 pm

You use your existing 352 truck bellhousing with the smallblock toploader.

John McGaughey · Post by **John McGaughey** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:39 pm

The toploader 4spd used two differnt input shaft diameters 1 1/16th and 1 3/8. The smaller was used on everything from a 6cyl up to a 390 the bigger was used behind the 427 428 and the 429. The 1 1/16 tranny is availble in either close or wide ratio where as the 1 3/8 input tranny is a close ratio only. Some cars did use the larger 11 1/2 inch clutch. The 390 gt and 428 cj and scj cars.

John

willowbilly3 · Post by **willowbilly3** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:16 pm

So, I am using a D7T bellhousing on a 68 Cobra Jet toploader. I don't have it all together but have been told by several people it would work. Now I wonder.

67fordkc · Post by **67fordkc** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 3:51 pm

From the research I did, I found that my top loader is from a 302,351 1969 mustang. It is wide ratio with a 28 spline output shaft. If my current 352 4 speed bellhousing I have will work, that would be great! I apprecaite everyone's help. Thanks.

Randy

Maxum96 · Post by **Maxum96** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 11:15 am

67fordkc wrote:I've heard differently. Toploader means how the gears are loaded into the case, from the top.

Ditto

Shift rods are actually on the side. Damn I miss my 68 Torino Fastback that had a factory 4 speed. It's the only toploader I ever owned.

ToughOldFord · Post by **ToughOldFord** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 12:44 pm

That stock 4 speed should be more than drivable. If you're having problems with it then either it's jacked up in some way or you're not operating it correctly.

4x4x4crewcab · Post by **4x4x4crewcab** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:35 pm

I would be asking this guy. http://www.4speedtoploaders.com

67fordkc · Post by **67fordkc** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 7:46 pm

I emailed 4speedtoploaders.com over a week age asking the same questions, but had no repsonse. I am going to call and see what I can find out.

Tim P. · Post by **Tim P.** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:42 am

same here he doesn't respond very well must not need the business

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